Distinguished Researchers Program

According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), in 2017, over 42,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Washington, and cancer was the leading cause of death. While cancer affects all populations, some are disproportionately impacted. Adverse differences in cancer incidence, prevalence, mortality, morbidity, survivorship, screening rates, stage at diagnosis, treatment services, access to discoveries, and financial toxicity have been identified as cancer disparities seen among different population groups. These population groups may be characterized by geographic location, race, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual identity, income, education, and other characteristics. For example, according to Washington DOH cancer data, overall cancer mortality rates were significantly higher for non-Hispanic blacks, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans/Alaska Native than non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, lung cancer incidence and mortality rates were highest in southwestern and several eastern Washington counties.

The causes of these cancer disparities are complex, often resulting from an interplay of factors, such as biology, socioeconomic status, environment, behavior, and policies. As such, effective solutions to improve cancer outcomes for all populations from etiology to survivorship must combine creativity, acuity, and resources of willing and capable players in the fields of cancer research and public health, as well as community partners. The Population Health Program will provide up to $200,000 per award (up to $100,000 per year) to organizations (e.g., companies, universities, research institutions, etc.), local health jurisdictions, tribal governments, tribal entities, and Urban Indian Organizations in Washington State to support cancer research projects that aim to:

• Improve health outcomes and cancer care, including equitable access to the standard of care, for populations in Washington State, especially among populations for which cancer disparities are most prevalent;

• Contribute to the understanding of how biological, behavioral, environmental, social, and structural factors affect cancer-related health, especially among populations for which cancer disparities are most prevalent; or
• Translate results or current knowledge into innovative interventions to improve the health of populations and eliminate cancer disparities.

Projects are encouraged to involve collaborations with the relevant stakeholders in the population groups to be impacted by the research (e.g., researchers, public health organizations, community organizations, patient advocacy groups, etc.). Additionally, as appropriate, engagement of key stakeholders in the development and implementation of the research plan is encouraged but not required. Potential research projects should aim to better understand the complex etiologic factors that contribute to cancer disparities or to develop or implement interventions to address cancer disparities among populations rather than merely document existing disparities.

Applicant must meet a minimum one-to-one (1:1) match of non-state of Washington funds to requested grant funds. The 1:1 match for the award must be secured at the time of the application submission.

Application Instructions

Please submit:

1. a one-page letter of intent with a description of proposed aims and approach
2. CV (not NIH format)  of the PI

to research@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Thursday December 3, 2020. An LOI is due to the 1/15/21 so you will need to have your materials in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by 1/6/21 for processing, if given the go ahead by the Proposal Review Committee.